RAPID RANKING METHOD FOR PRIORITIZING RESTORATION BY EVALUATING HUMAN INFLUENCES ON THE STATUS OF SCRUB FOREST: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

The main objective of this paper was to develop a quick ranking system for diagnosing degree of changes resulting from human influences on a rapidly declining natural scrub forest of the sub-Himalayan region. The naturalness in this paper is described on the basis of structural criteria of the dominant life form, represented by the bi-species climatic climax vegetation of Olea ferruginea and Acacia modesta. Plant communities delineated on the basis of vegetation classification were regrouped on the presence and absence of the two species into natural and sub-natural communities. Natural community was further delineated on the basis of departure from the benchmark to gauge the status of naturalness within this community. The final three staged index proposed was used to evaluate the status and extent of degradation in the forest and in identifying the factors that lead to its altered status to initiate an appropriate management plan for restoration.